PACIFIC SHORES @ OCEAN BEACH Parking is available on the street, and it's free! We ended up coming to Pacific Shores because one of my best friend's mom was there with her girlfriends. When we arrived, there was no line at all. Security was really nice, and we got in easily. There weren't many people inside around 10 PM, and I definitely feel like this bar is more of a "grab a drink, sit with your friends, and chat" type of spot. It's not a club or a dancing bar. We ordered a round of shots and a mixed tequila drink. It wasn't strong at all, but it was really delicious, and I genuinely enjoyed it. The server was also super nice, especially since our friend's mom kept ordering drinks and shots. He brought everything out quickly and with great service. I really loved the architecture and ambiance. It had a darker, cozy vibe, very much a small, deep-bar aesthetic. They also had some really cool paintings, and if you were wearing white or yellow, your clothes would glow in the dark, which was a fun touch. It wasn't super busy, and I appreciated how easy it was to find seating and just relax. The bathroom wasn't the cleanest, but it was still manageable. Overall, I'd definitely check out this spot if you're walking around Ocean Beach and want a chill place to grab a drink and hang out with friends. read more

See all

Came here for a bachelor party at opening and it was great. Anna was the bar tender and she took great care of us, for a party of 12 and only having one employee there, we had a blast. Anna knows her facts about the historic bar and is fun, definitely give her a visit. Pool table in the back was cramped but still fun to pass the time. read more

This place was fantastic, super chill. I had a fun time. Very low key for the area and people were nice and gave you space. The music was on point some 80s alternative the cure, the smiths, really tied together with the aquatic theme and lighting. I think this place probably gets overlooked often but is worth going to. read more

This place was an old favorite of mine and many friends when I actually lived in OB in the 90s. It wasn't too long after that it became seriously trendy for many years. Not sure how it is now late weekend nights. Mellow vibe as most of OB is but do remember it getting packed late nights when the barely legal crowd thinks they are in PB.. I have never had any issues here but many complain about the bartenders, and it's probably that they just get stressed from too many people for such a small place. Nothing broken here. Show some patience and be cool, I say. Display a level of quickness and confidence in what you want to order, but don't be shy to ask. My most recent visit was just a stop in for one quick well drink. I ordered a bourbon and coke and it was $4.25- if I remember right, still cheapest drink in town. At least in OB. This made me think, "wow things still are the same here", as in this drink example. I totally like it when places like this don't ever change a thing, come on now after all, why would you? Thing is, dive bars are becoming extinct overall and this I don't like at all. Alive and well here. read more

San Diego local here. I've been to Pacific Shore Cocktail Lounge before, but after my experience yesterday, I won't be returning. When I entered, my friend ordered a lemonade, and when the bartender asked me what I wanted, I simply asked for a water. He completely ignored me after that and served everyone else around me without acknowledging me again. It wasn't busy--just poor service. I'm not sure why I was treated that way, but it felt like I wasn't even seen as a customer. I've experienced better service elsewhere, and this was just unprofessional. I hope the staff here takes note of how basic respect and attention can make all the difference in whether someone returns or not. read more

Quick and Classic OB Dive! Pacific Shores on Newport Ave is a no-frills, old-school bar with strong, affordable drinks and a reliably local vibe. Perfect for a casual hangout without the pretension. read more

love the ambiance here, if i'm not mistaken it's one of the two oldest bars in sa n diego dating back to 1946 or something crazy. bartenders are great especially ben, love the jukebox, drinks are cheap and cheerful, highly recommend especially if you're in ocean beach. really cook black light vibe which very much appeals to my asthetic sensibilities. read more

Such a fun dive bar in OB! Love the ocean theme intimate light setting. Drinks are great, staff is awesome, fun crowd, overall a great spot to grab a drink & hang out! read more

Pacific Shores - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Fun, dark, dive bar in Ocean Beach. We cruised in for a couple of drinks. Cool artwork/décor adorn the walls. The seven of us grabbed the old school lounge-type table in the corner. Service was good, drinks were cold. read more

Cool vibe. Good drinks as well. Actually found this place on Halloween. It seems like a local hangout which makes it more homey. Service was really good and they have pool tables. Had a great time hanging out here. If in the area I would recommend stopping by for a drink and game of pool. read more

I love this bar. Favorite bar in OB. 81 years and still going strong! I know this bar to be cash only in the past but they might have updated their POS to include cards (I'm not positive). Their wells are $4.50 and the ambiance is amazing. I love the black light paintings and the shell ceiling above the bar! read more

So I went in with chihuahuas and the bartender was rude af! Saying I should've left my "kids" at home I agreed and then she continued to beat a dead horse with the same narrative! And continue to say she was cool with them while being a jerk about it! I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone with small animals! She was completely un professional read more

Great food, environment, and place to grab some drinks. I usually pop in when I'm in the area.

Cool, little upper scale dive bar. Love the "under the sea theme" and the bartender was great. He made us a version of the Screwball peanut butter shot, like the one we usually get at OB Noodle House. And I have to say, his version was actually better! Anyway, we were happy we stumbled into this place. Check it out, it's a chill place to hang. read more

The security guard wouldn't scan a LEGITIMATE California ID. Thought it was fake when it wasn't. His name is Tony. He doesn't know what the fuck he was doing. We are all bartenders. read more

Pacific Shores - Stupid guy with a beard thinks he's so cool. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Dive bar but not necessarily in the good way. Have gone in before for a quick drink. Not the quickest service even when dead but my LAST attempt left me ignored by the two female bartenders (one looked right at me and turned back to having a loud private conversation with a female customer sitting at the bar) without as much as a "be with you in a minute". I decided to leave after a couple minutes when it was obvious that the one was deep in conversation and the other had left from behind the bar. As I left, the doorman commented on me leaving so soon, so I mentioned I was ignored and chose to go elsewhere (at the bar a few doors down the bartender greeted me immediately). As I left I heard him scoff, "Uhh, get outta here!" To be fair I don't the he thought I could here him. Plenty of other places to get a drink in O.B. I worked in the bar industry for 25 years so I expect at least a minimum of service and know when employees are the bottom of the barrel or don't care. Both on exhibit here. read more

Pacific Shores - a neon sign on the side of a building - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been here a handful of times and a couple of years ago I wrote a pretty negative review because of the bartender. My experience seemed to be consistent with other yelpers. Me and some friends were heading down to SD for the day and I wanted to show them this wonderful bar. I warned everyone that the bartenders had a reputation for being surly. Our visit was the exact opposite. I should have gotten out bartenders name because she was great! Super friendly, accommodating, and mixed great cocktails! Maybe they got rid of the bad employees, or maybe they work the evening shift (we were there on a Wednesday around 1pm). Either way, everyone loved the bar and the service. read more

Opened on the actual Pearl Harbor day. Just a great cocktail bar. Great place to start or finish the night.

No longer open until 2 AM during the week? Door was locked at 12:30 AM tonight even though sign on the door stated open until 2. Please update hours. read more

Absolute worst experience I've had in OB. I used to be a bartender, and the treatment from security and the bar was atrocious. DO NOT GO HERE. The security guard Mark was threatening and unprofessional from the initial interaction. He told another patron and their group to "stick your skateboard up your ass" and Proceeded to follow them down the street screaming obscene threats. His ego was at the forefront of his behavior. As a security guard, you would expect deescalation, not violence and antagonization. In whole, I don't feel comfortable returning and have no interest in supporting a business that employs men who cannot regulate their own personal emotions. Giving this sense of power to people who are not objective/ professional is dangerous. This bar is violent, cheap and unprofessional. AVOID AT ALL COSTS. read more

went in 2:40pm on 6/26.. bartender asked me "if I was fucking stupid" .. I walked in with a white claw and realize Laws may be different from state to state . I live in New Orleans where u can walk from bar to bar with a cocktail. She then asked me what the fuck I was doing and when I said "waiting on a drink" she kicked me out. Horrible service . I would never talk to someone like that. Especially in a tourist area. read more

I love this place. The bartenders are the best, super friendly and so sweet. It's the perfect dive OB bar. Can't wait to come back. read more

Pacific Shores - a bar with bottles of alcohol - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Had some friends in town for a birthday and thought this sweet mermaid vibe of a bar would be perfect for an afternoon drink to cure our hangovers. Most of our friends have been to this bar and love the pour and the people. We all come from the service industry and this bar is usually great. When walking in the bartender immediately greeted us with "oh great spring breakers" , which is fine, thank you for noticing my excellent skincare routine, who doesn't love looking younger than 30?! After being incredibly rude and condescending the bartender said that the valid government issued photo ID that was presented to her could not and would not be accepted because it was California law to only accept drivers licenses. After we politely notified her that we have been in this bar multiple times with said ID and that such a law would be extremely ableist if it did truly exist, she was quick to start backtracking her previous statement and said she would "do us a favor and serve us if the rest of us had drivers licenses" The situation was so weird and out of character for this bar and I'd like to note that we have never experienced this before. Unfortunately it was bad enough that we won't be going back and will be sharing this experience with the California ABC due to the extreme ableism this bartender demonstrated on behalf or pacific shores cocktail lounge. read more

We're visiting from Chicago. The doorman went to Columbia and we talked for a good length! Kayla (hope I spelled that right) is kick ass and more than just a bartender apparently! We wanted to find a spot that feels local with some good vibes and this is a great kickoff to our trip! Highly recommend and would definitely come back if I'm back around! read more

Pacific Shores - Bar and a couple of drinks - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

A Dive with capital D, this is one reeks of old school, bonds that rust but don't break, and damn good time. Gruff, deep and true, dark, cozy and TV-less. An A-hole free zone since forever ago. Had a scroll down the negative reviews and I gotta say, I am proud of this place for still not letting in wanabie skaters, southern bros and queenies who think of their chihuahuas as "their babies". Go back to the gaslight district and sip on that $15 umbrella drink. read more

This place has pretty bad service as far as approaching their customers. My wife and I were relaxing in a booth when a server walked up and told my friend to sit up or he's gonna have to to leave. We were only on our second round and he was just resting his head on his wife's shoulder. I decided to go up to the server and say that his actions were unnecessary and told him how rude he was for the way he approached us. He screamed at me and said get the fuck out of my face! They were complete a--holes and made us leave... This was a situation that didn't need to happen and I'm so disappointed that our night out was ruined. I won't be returning here and would warn others to stay away unless you want to feel like you're walking on egg shells instead of relaxing and having a good time with your friends. read more

This place is old school awesome! If you have not been to Pacific Shores, this place is almost a landmark. Be sure to bring your cash, this is a cash only establishment. The service can be slow, but the stiff drinks are the best! It's not a good idea to come here already drunk though, speaking from experience. If you were a fan of the 60's and 70's Booths and decor, this your place. No trendy or upscale anything here. They probably have never redecorated and that's what keeps us coming back. Great place to order a Long Island iced tea, vodka tonic, tequila soda, or just a simple beer. You could easily buy a round for you and your friends and still get a burrito later. read more

My friend and I came in on a Thursday afternoon. The bartender, Amanda S., seemed a little off/possibly drunk but we didn't think much of it. After we got our drinks, a super cute older couple walked up to the bar. My girlfriend offered for us to move down another seat so they can sit at the bar together. The old couple was NEVER addressed nor served. I don't even know how much time passed but it was a while... Then the couple got up to walk out of the door. The bartender made some confrontational gestures, basically encouraged them to leave and said some rude things. Then her friend who was drinking at the bar (maybe another bartender off shift?) made a comment "wow well they're really taking their time to exit out the door!". AND LAUGHED. The entire interaction was disgusting. No apologies for forgetting about them or trying to reconcile the bad customer service... just straight making fun of the elderly. My friend and I looked at each other and said we are closing out... not getting another drink here. I have had great memories here when I used to live in OB. This place is amazing so I hate for one person to ruin it. Management: you need to pay close attention to the culture of your bar and who you hire. Someone needs to address Amanda S.'s behavior. I want to say I hope she was drunk (and her customer friend who also made terrible remarks) but I don't know what is worse. Being drunk and bullying the elderly or sober and doing the same? read more

Cheap drinks is about the only upside to this place unfortunately. I came here a few months ago to get a few drinks and hang out and was treated poorly by staff. I feel like if you aren't a regular, they really don't care about you. I felt so uncomfortable sitting at the bar and left after half a drink. read more

Been drinking here a long time, gonna probably keep drinking here a long time. A true California gem. They playing "under my thumb" in here, I'm wildin off these great value well drinks, the Pacific ocean in all its majesty is a literal stones throw away. Lesss goooo read more

I've have never really sat down and thought about what my favorite dive bar is, but if I did, my thought process would probably go something like: "OK, can I think of one I like MORE than Pac Shores." And I'd be hard pressed to succeed. Pac Shores is THE quintessential OB dive. The self-contained space, cheesy underwater theme, cheap drinks, and sexy octopus that is always staring at you (why, hello there, sexy octopus!) combine for the perfect OB experience. The clientele runs the gamut from OB gritty to OB chic (whatever that is), but most definitely leans towards the friendlier side regardless. I don't think I have ever been there and not stuck up a conversation with a stranger. Oh, and the drinks are reasonably strong and cheap. And what more could you want? read more

Been here a lot over the years. Always a good place for cheap drinks. New ownership or employees seem to be far less friendly than in the past. Definitely a bar that's time has passed, sadly. read more

I've been coming to Pacific Shores over the years but I realize I haven't left a review. So this place is a really great bar. Its pretty dim in there and I like to joke about how dark it is in there a lot. The bartenders I've run into have all been great. They usually have a great drink special featured. There is a pool table in the back. I sure wish they'd get the toilet door replaced someday. All in all its a no frills not fancy great bar in the heart of OB. Nuff said... read more

Not Bad i hope this is the pacific shores bar on newport...just like being time travelled back to a 1950's bar...great jukebox (patsy cline's "crazy")...very reasonable drinks...also a great happy hour...and on friday's they bring in a caterer an serve free food on the patio from 4 to 7...decent spot Thanks read more

Sweet baby Jesus, it's cheap. Traditionally, that's a key component of recognizing a dive, though it's not always the case in Ocean Beach, but at Pac Shores it is. Your well drink will cost less than $5 and you will want a well drink, or at least you'll want something not from a tap (again, this is another hallmark of a good dive). Maybe the bartenders can be gruff. But, as is the case with many dives, you have to earn your spot. Walking in and ordering a pitcher and then tapping your foot when things don't quite speed along is just one way to show you don't deserve this bar. read more

Pacific Shores - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

This is the epitome of a dive bar, in all of the best ways. Good, classic rock, good pours and good vibes. Jenna is the best! Super attentive and everything you want from a bartender. read more

I don't go to Ocean Beach very often...but when I do I always have a drink at Pac Shores. I lived in OB in my past life... I was young and dumb and barely old enough to get into a bar...and when I did get in...i didn't have any money to buy a drink. However, at Pac Shores...i was able to find enough loose change in my cushions, car floor and bottom of my purse and grab a few pennies from the "take a penny" at 7-eleven...and i would have enough money to buy myself a drink. That drink was more than enough to do my in...I was satisfied. If I wanted a second drink...well ...we all know that a girl never has to buy a second drink, since someone will end up offering to pay. Now at my more mature age...i have a credit card and a job and can pay for my own drinks. Still 1 or 2 are enough =) great service great atmosphere great cushy booths love the "little mermaid" vibe (i'm sure it's not their intention, but that's my viewpoint) read more

Pacific Shores - Dive Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Might be the ideal dive bar! Truly inexpensive in an era of expensive-wannabe dive bars. Quick service and dark atmosphere. Friendly. Packed on weekend nights, yet eerily empty during the week. Part of the backbone of OB. read more

I LOVE this place, however cash only is a bit tricky for me since I live in credit! The doorman Steve and bartender Ben are fantastic and so nice! The ambience is great and as a new local I felt totally comfy! All in all this place is going to be a new hang out read more

Wow! I love this place!! Two words CHEAP DRINKS! Good, stiff, cheap drinks!! I'm not talking happy hour pricing. I am talking perfectly mixed, regular priced, put-hair-on-your-chest drinks! I paid $3 for Captain n' coke. A Grey Goose dirty martini here is $7 dollars, where at Aero, it was $12!!??! Wait, two more words GREAT atmosphere! I love the cool decorations complete with mermaids and under the sea modern flair! The bar is surrounded by giant clamshells! The black lights accentuate the hand painted wall murals! Its like being at the bottom of the ocean getting your drink on with a bunch of fun great looking mer-people! They keep it dark in there at all times I think to make you forget what time of day it is! I tell you what, it works! I love ducking in here on a hot day to escape the madness of OB! However I should dock a star for the completely unfriendly agro bartenders. I wonder if they train them to never crack a smile. I tried to be friendly with them, no dice. Oh well, luckily it's full of beautiful fun loving people! Cheers my friends! read more